Monday’s lunch…

Though Monday is typically the day that most people dread, I see a silver lining where I work. Every Monday we are treated to lunch.

First on my agenda this Monday, however, was Exercise Physiology class bright and early at 8:00. Right after was lab, where we went over things like BMI and the grip test, an indirect indicator of core strength. Though we were told to wear our gym clothes, stepping on a scale didn’t exactly cause me to work up a sweat. Regardless, it was almost lunch time and as I drove to work I was looking forward to seeing what my coworkers and I would be having.

It ended up being an assortment of sandwiches from Panera, a large garden salad, pickles, cookies, and chips. I decided to go for a roast beef sandwich and salad along with a pickle. As I sat there eating my lunch, going on about how I aspire to become a registered dietitian, it was easy to forgo the chips and cookies. I clocked in for work, and around 3:00 I was growing tired. I had 2 more hours left in my work day, and the oatmeal raisin cookie out in the break room was calling my name. This wasn’t just any cookie though. It was a gigantic cookie! I asked my co-worker if she wanted half and she said no as she had to weigh in at Weight Watchers tomorrow. There I was, enormous cookie in hand, and sure enough within the hour the whole thing was gone. Was it delicious? Yes. Would half or a quarter of the cookie been just as satisfying? Absolutely. I justified it by telling my will-power-possessing coworker that I would be running in the evening. It’s almost 8:00 PM now and I am ready to keep my word and head out for a run on this breezy evening—right after I submit this post!

Bottom line is that working a sedentary office job can be difficult. At one point or another, boredom strikes or fatigue sets in, and free food (especially when it’s sweet) is difficult to turn down. Ironically, this evening I came across an article from USA Today, noting a survey by Career Builder which found that people are gaining weight at work (no surprise). Though luckily my lunches Tuesday through Friday are significantly healthier, the indulgences here and there can add up.

How do you resist the office donut? I’m thinking a more filling breakfast would have helped me out on Monday.

Nina Marinello

One Response

There has been a box of donuts in my office’s kitchen all week. Every time I pass by, it calls my name. So far, I’ve resisted, but only by substituting. Instead of the donut, I grab celery and peanut butter. Or mango. Hopefully, I’ll make it through the week…

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